Lewisham's Top 5 Bars

Known for being invisible to those who are not in the know, bars in Southeast London have a converted reputation even Shoreditch can’t match. Thanks to the regeneration efforts of Antic London and the entrepreneurial spirit of local breweries, Lewisham’s hot spots are an unassuming yet unique mixture of old and new. Here in Lewisham, you can sample innovations in pale ale whilst enjoying vintage décor and excellent live music — all for a fraction of East London’s prices.

The eclectic interior of Jam Circus © Antic London

Jam Circus is eccentrically kitsch and British: think cocktails in jam jars, retro wallpaper and Scrabble boards haphazardly stacked on wobbly tables. The décor is an eclectic mix of whimsical circus and ’70s-tastic, complete with fringed lampshades and vintage photographs on the orange-hued walls.

Jam Circus, 330-332 Brockley Rd, London, UK, +44 20 8692 3320

Award-winning IPA © Late Knight’s Brewery

London Beer Dispensary is heading up London’s micro-pub revolution. Serving up ales brewed in SE by Late Knights Brewery, you can always count on the award-winning Worm Catcher IPA to be on the menu. The space itself is dimly lit and trendy, with stacks of casks lined up against exposed brick walls.

London Beer Dispensary, 389 Brockley Rd, London, UK, +44 20 8694 6982

The Job Centre © Antic London

This rather controversial Deptford hot spot is actually an old job centre resurrected as a hipster watering hole. The company’s signature vintage style involves preserving old buildings and making a quirky feature out of their history. The Job Centre has been given a splash of blue paint, but inside, the sprawling space has an industrial feel, with exposed rafters and odd cutlery sourced from bric-a-bracs.

The Job Centre, 120 Deptford High St, London, UK, +44 20 8692 6859

The Gantry is a rustic bistro run by a French family. Order at the bar, but don’t miss out on the beautiful secret garden located round the back. The wine list really steals the show; from Italian to New Zealand, vegan to biodynamic, there is something for even the most discerning drinker.

The Gantry, 188 Brockley Rd, London, UK, +44 20 8469 0043

Marquis of Granby is a beloved local institution. Affectionately described as ‘spit and sawdust,’ this traditional Irish pub has a no-nonsense, no-frills aesthetic and a lively atmosphere. On Friday evenings, Goldsmiths students gather outside, clinking glasses and setting the world to rights.

Marquis of Granby, 322 New Cross Rd, London, UK, +44 20 8692 3140